How to Draft from Pick 1.12

Photo: Imagn Images

Draft season is here, and you've landed the 1.12 pick. You know your options at the 1-2 Turn will include at least some of the following players: A.J. Brown, Garrett Wilson, Puka Nacua, Jonathan Taylor, Saquon Barkley, Jahmyr Gibbs, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Drake London. Which two players from this group should you target and in which order?

Draft positions in this series:
1.01 | 1.02 | 1.03 | 1.04 | 1.05 | 1.06 | 1.07 | 1.08 | 1.09 | 1.10 | 1.11 | 1.12

In this article, we'll explore two different strategies, helping you make the most informed decision possible. To do that, we'll leverage two powerful tools that are essential for preparing and dominating on draft night.

First, we'll dive into the Draft Dominator, our supercharged tool for mock drafts and expert recommendations. This tool allows you to simulate different draft scenarios, refining your strategy based on league size, scoring, and starting lineup requirements. With these insights, you'll be ready to outmaneuver your competition when it matters most.

Next, we'll review the latest Average Draft Position (ADP) data, sourced from hundreds of recent drafts exclusively populated by Footballguys subscribers. This up-to-the-minute ADP information will help you map out the likely pool of players available at each draft stage—from the critical second-round decision point to the mid-round picks that can make or break your draft.

By combining the strategic foresight offered by the Draft Dominator with real-world ADP trends, you'll be equipped to execute a winning draft plan.

We are going to dive deep into two different roster approaches from the 1.12, exploring how your draft is impacted if you decide to go with a running back instead of a wide receiver at 1.12.

First, let's talk about who is likely to be available when you are on the clock at 1.12. There is a general consensus when it comes to the Top 8 players: Christian McCaffrey, CeeDee Lamb, Tyreek Hill, Ja'Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Breece Hall, and Bijan Robinson. You should assume none of these eight players will be available when you are on the clock at 1.12. 

Who will be available when you are on the clock at 1.12? Here is what the data from 160 recent drafts says about your chances of drafting the following players at 1.12:

• A.J. Brown: 9% chance of being available
• Garrett Wilson: 14% chance of being available
• Jonathan Taylor: 60% chance of being available
• Saquon Barkley: 56% chance of being available
• Jahmyr Gibbs: 74% chance of being available
• Puka Nacua: 95% chance of being available

Of the six top options listed above, we know at least three of them should be available at 1.12. Let's see who falls to us in the Draft Dominator mock draft:

This mock went mostly according to ADP and both A.J. Brown and Garrett Wilson went off of the board in the Top 11. Marvin Harrison Jr. also went off the board in the Top 11.

In addition to ranking the available options, the Draft Dominator also features a star system akin to Olympic medals. A gold star signals a slam-dunk pick, a silver star denotes an excellent option, and a bronze star marks a solid choice. This system simplifies decision-making by visually highlighting the strength of each pick, helping you stay focused and avoid overthinking in the heat of the draft. 

I’ve included the Value-Based Drafting (VBD) column in the Draft Dominator screenshot above because it provides essential context when comparing positions in your league. VBD ensures that you capitalize on the most valuable players at each draft stage, preventing you from reaching for a position when better options are available. 

The two distinct paths here are:

1. Selecting Jonathan Taylor and Saquon Barkley to build an elite 1-2 Punch at Running back. This is the preferred path with Gold Star approval in the Draft Dominator.
2. Taking a Zero-RB approach and doubling up with a pair of young wide receivers.

Let's explore these two separate and distinct paths of attack and see which road leads to a better overall roster. 

Path 1: Draft Saquon Barkley and Jonathan Taylor

Drafting Saquon Barkley and Jonathan Taylor at 1.12 and 2.01 is a dream scenario for building a powerhouse backfield with two of the most talented and reliable running backs in the NFL. Both Barkley and Taylor are virtual locks to see 300+ touches this season, ensuring a high floor and consistent production week after week. Their proven talent levels and elite pedigrees make them low-risk picks with immense upside, as each has already demonstrated the ability to dominate in both rushing and receiving roles. By securing these two workhorse backs early, you’re not only locking in stable, high-volume performers but also giving your team a strong foundation that can carry you deep into the fantasy season.

The 3-4 Turn: Malik Nabers and DK Metcalf

At the 3-4 turn, the running back options are notably less appealing—unless a player like Josh Jacobs unexpectedly falls, which is unlikely. This scarcity of attractive RB choices is a key reason to consider doubling up on running backs at the 1-2 turn, ensuring you're not left scrambling for a solid RB2 later. The silver lining is that the wide receiver pool at this stage is deep and filled with quality options. With players like Malik Nabers, DeVonta Smith, Brandon Aiyuk, DJ Moore, and DK Metcalf available, you can confidently build a strong receiving corps. In this mock, DK Metcalf was selected at 3.12, followed by Malik Nabers at 4.01, securing two high-upside wideouts to balance the roster.

Rounding out the Roster

This draft strategy begins by securing a strong foundation with two elite running backs, Jonathan Taylor and Saquon Barkley, at the 1-2 turn. By locking in these high-volume, low-risk backs, the team can afford to get aggressive in targeting young, high-upside wide receivers like DK Metcalf, Malik Nabers, and Xavier Worthy. The selection of Christian Kirk at 5.12 not only adds a proven slot receiver but also sets up a positive correlation with Trevor Lawrence, creating a powerful stack from the Jaguars' passing game. This approach balances the stability of elite running backs with the explosive potential of a dynamic receiving corps, positioning the team for both consistency and big-play upside.